Just Kickin' It - (Orca Anchor) by Julie Thompson (Paperback)

About the Book

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, sixteen-year-old Jesse wonders how far he'll go for a cool new pair of sneakers when an older teen entices him into petty theft.

Book Synopsis

Jesse is a sneakerhead without the sneakers.

After his parents were killed in an accident three years ago, Jesse went to live with his grandfather, and it wasn't long before the insurance money ran out. That meant no money for new threads or fresh kicks. Now with summer in swing, Jesse has been saving for new sneakers. He'll finally be able to keep up with the rest of the kids at his school, especially his best friend, Tay Matthews, whose sneaker collection could be housed in a museum. But then his grandpa's WiFi is cut off and Jesse has to hand over his savings to pay the bill. It looks like Jesse's plan for new shoes is trashed. That's until nineteen-year-old smooth-talking Derick rolls into town. With new threads and a fresh ride, Derick shows the boys there's more than one way to get what you want. And Jesse must decide how much he is willing to pay.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don't like to read!

From the Back Cover

Can you be a sneakerhead without sneakers? Jesse has been living with his grandfather ever since his parents were killed in an accident. When the insurance money runs out and his grandfather's Wi-Fi is cut off, Jesse hands over his savings to pay the bill. So much for the new kicks he was dreaming of. Then smooth-talking Derick rolls into town with a shiny Mustang and fresh threads. He shows Jesse that there's more than one way to get what you want...if you're willing to pay the price.

Review Quotes

"Modern and relevant...an important kernel of truth lies at the heart of all these stories. The writing is high-quality across the board: believable dialogue, layered characters, and fast-moving plots."

-- "School Library Journal (SLJ) Series Made Simple"

"In Jesse, readers meet a protagonist whose desires and internal conflicts feel authentic. Thompson highlights the ways the cards we're dealt in life influence the choices we make. She also explores themes of loss, grief, peer pressure, morality, and the effects of socioeconomic status while maintaining an accessible and appealing writing style. A reluctant reader-friendly story with heart, realistic tensions, and meaningful messages to ponder."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Julie Thompson is the author of the picture book When Isaac Hears the Rain. She creates stories that celebrate the lived experiences of children everywhere. As a mother of two boys, she is especially drawn to books that honor Black Boy joy. Julie's stories are inspired by the people, places and experiences that have shaped her world. When she's not writing, you can find Julie on her yoga mat, spending time in nature or hitting the pavement, clocking miles as she explores the streets of Toronto.